Bidirectional Data Transmission Over Two-Wire Power Bus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromechanical systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting data between devices while minimizing the number of wires used for power supply, maintaining robustness against electromagnetic disturbances, and allowing for bidirectional communication.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a method where a second electromechanical device supplies a first device with a constant voltage that can take multiple values, using amplitude modulation to transmit digital data, and the first device modulates the supply voltage to transmit data back, utilizing capacitors and switching circuits to manage voltage levels and ensure robust data exchange over two wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If bidirectional data transmission is implemented between two electromechanical devices, then communication capability is improved, but the number of required wires increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidnumber of wires
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power transmission and bidirectional data transmission into a single two-wire interface. The first wire carries both power and data signals in both directions, while the second wire serves the same dual purpose, eliminating the need for separate dedicated data transmission wires.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each wire in the system performs multiple functions: it serves as both a power transmission conductor and a bidirectional data communication channel. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve full-duplex communication and power delivery using only two wires total.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If voltage modulation is used for data transmission over power lines, then data communication is enabled, but susceptibility to electromagnetic disturbances increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata communication capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic disturbance susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electrical signal modulation with a magnetic field-based communication system. A magnetic transmitter generates a magnetic field that couples with a magnetic receiver, enabling data transmission without directly modulating the power line voltages, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference susceptibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium for data transmission. Instead of directly modulating electrical signals on the power lines which are susceptible to interference, the system uses magnetic coupling between transmitter and receiver as an intermediate step, providing isolation from electromagnetic disturbances on the power lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables robust, bidirectional data transmission over a minimal wire connection, optimizing power consumption and resistance to electromagnetic interference, while maintaining reliable communication for applications like roller shutters and other electromechanical systems.

Implementation Method 1

the second electromechanical device is adapted to transmit first digital data to the first electromechanical device by modulating said supply voltage between said at least two constant voltage values

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmplitude modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

the first electromechanical device is adapted to transmit second digital data to the second electromechanical device by said at least two wires, preferably by modulation of said supply voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmplitude modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP3289691B1Method of exchanging data between two electromechanical devices
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 BUBENDORFF SA
  • EP3289691B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3289691B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9
  • EP3289691B1 patent drawingFigure 10~12

AI summary

The invention relates to an electromechanical system (10) comprising at least first and second electromechanical devices (12, 14) and at least two wires (Bus+, Bus-) linking the first and second electromechanical devices, the second electromechanical device (14) being suitable for providing between the wires a supply voltage (Vbus) for the first electromechanical device (12), the voltage having one constant voltage value from at least two constant voltage values, and being suitable for transmitting first numerical data to the first electromechanical device by modulation of said supply voltage between the at least two constant voltage values, the first electromechanical device being further suitable for transmitting second numerical data to the second electromechanical device by way of the at least two wires.